TaTa To launch first electric vehicle, Indica EV, in 2009

Tata Motors’ UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc, has acquired a 50.3% holding, at an acquisition cost of Kroner 12 million (Rs.9.40 crores), in Miljø Grenland/Innovasjon, Norway, which specialises in the development of innovative solutions for electric vehicles. The balance of shares will be retained by the existing shareholders who will continue to be associated with the venture.

Miljø will produce electric vehicles based on Tata Motors’ products, besides manufacturing of state-of-the-art super polymer lithium ion batteries and the development of related technologies. Tata Motors believes that this investment in Miljo will help the company realise its strategy to develop convenient, affordable and sustainable mobility solutions through electric and hybrid vehicles.

The first such vehicle to be developed by the company will be the Indica EV. It is scheduled for launch in Europe during 2009. Unlike existing electric vehicles, Indica EV will be a more practicable option for the consumer: capable of carrying 4 people, adequate luggage space, with a predicted range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds. As in the Nano, Tata Motors continues its innovative approach with Indica EV too, using super polymer lithium ion batteries which will have superior energy density compared to the current best-in-class electric vehicles.

Autoliv to make Nano's air bag for $10

Tata Motors has asked the automotive safety component maker Autoliv IFB India to develop a $10 air bag for its small car Nano. This will be the world’s cheapest air bag, as those fitted in other small cars like the Zen Estilo start from $150. Nano is likely to have two frontal air bags for the two high-end deluxe variants. The deluxe version will also have air-conditioning, music system and alloy wheels while the base variant will be a no-frill car. While companies like Bosch has developed a special low-priced CRDi fuel system for Nano’s diesel variant and Honeywell Turbo India has also made a similar miniature turbo-charger system for the small engine, Autoliv, a worldwide leader in automotive safety components, is understood to be working on the ultra-cheap air bags. Nano’s closet rival Maruti 800 does not have an air bag. According to market sources, each of the twin air bags in the Zen Estilo is priced around $150.

( The Economic Time )